Jaisalmer traders protest IPS officer's transfer

Markets remained closed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer town Sunday to protest the transfer of IPS officer Pankaj Chaudhary for allegedly taking on a legislator of the ruling Congress party.

As the suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal in Uttar Pradesh has trigged a nationwide outcry, several traders' organisations called for a shutdown of markets Sunday following Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police (SP) Chaudhary's transfer.

Choudhary was transferred from Jaisalmer - 600 km from Jaipur - Friday and shunted out to a non-field posting as commandant in the Police Training School in Kishangarh.

Some local organisations alleged that Chaudhary was transferred under pressure from Saleh Mohammed, Congress legislator of Pokhran constituency in Jaisalmer.

Chaudhary had reopened the history sheet of Gazi Fakir, the legislator's father, sources said.

"A history sheet was opened against Gazi Fakir in 1965 when several cases of smuggling and anti-social activities were registered against him. But the history sheet was closed in 2011 by the then acting SP. Chaudhary reopened the history sheet, which resulted in his transfer," said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

Chaudhary had also taken on touts in this tourist-frequented district.

A huge crowd of local residents gathered in Satyadev Park Sunday morning and took out a protest rally.

"The police officer had been instrumental in rooting out the problem of touts and criminals who harass tourists here. Chaudhary was transferred under pressure from politicians," said Prithvi Raj, a representative of a traders' association in Jaisalmer.

However, Saleh Mohammed refuted the allegations. "I have nothing to do with the police officer's transfer. It was a routine transfer," he said.